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Should I dump the Blue Lemon? MBE 4000 Radiator Problem

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Preacher Man, May 15, 2011.

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  1. May 15, 2011 #1
    Preacher Man

    Preacher Man Road Train Member

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    I am doing a company l/p on a 2009 Cascadia with the MBE 4000 engine. The problem is that it is on it's third radiator. The second one lasted six months. Is this an ongoing problem with these radiators or am I just unlucky. Radiator number two cost me $2500 and radiator number three was replaced under warranty.
     
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    #1
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  3. May 15, 2011 #2
    mgfg

    mgfg Road Train Member

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    You haven't indicated the problem with the radiators Preacher Man. Are they breaking because of the frame twisting? Has the truck been to a Freightliner dealer? Is there a recall that needs to be done? Is there a pressure problem and that causes a leak?
     
    mgfg, May 15, 2011
    mgfg, May 15, 2011
    #2
  4. May 15, 2011 #3
    Preacher Man

    Preacher Man Road Train Member

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    Both were replaced by Freightliner dealers. The first at Truck Country in Oak Creek WI., the last one was done by Stoops in Indianapolis last Monday. The last one was diagnosed as a hole near the top behind the CAC. There was a broken bolt found also. I have a pm done every other month and those are done at Truck Centers Freightliner in Springfield, IL. I have not had any other problems reported to me and I have my work done at dealerships.

    I understand business and have enough sense to trust mechanical issues to people who are supposed to be pros. I expect a pm to be just that, preventative maintenance. I expect them to go bumper to bumper and inspect the truck. The idea is to reduce the possibility of breaking down on the road to a minimum. Other than the radiator, this truck has been a pretty good truck. I've had a number of issues with the apu, but that's a Thermoking problem.
     
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    #3
  5. May 15, 2011 #4
    kajidono

    kajidono Road Train Member

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    Are they replacing them with the exact same brand every time? I'd want one made by someone else at this point.
     
    kajidono, May 15, 2011
    kajidono, May 15, 2011
    #4
  7. May 15, 2011 #5
    Preacher Man

    Preacher Man Road Train Member

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    The last one had a different part number, so something was different. They double checked that it was the right part. The problem is that the tanks are plastic and leaks don't stay small for long.
     
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    #5
  8. May 15, 2011 #6
    Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    It took me 3 heater cores to get one that stayed fixed, don't know if it was a design or install problem, but the newer stuff doesn't seem to be as durable.
     
    Hardlyevr, May 15, 2011
    Hardlyevr, May 15, 2011
    #6
  9. May 15, 2011 #7
    Preacher Man

    Preacher Man Road Train Member

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    One of the parts guys at Stoops told me the as much. He said they get parts that are just junk.
     
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    Preacher Man, May 15, 2011
    #7
  10. May 19, 2011 #8
    FYDA FREIGHTLINER CINCY

    FYDA FREIGHTLINER CINCY Light Load Member

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    Apr 28, 2009
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    I have attached a updated bolt kit for the cac mounting. i believe this campaign had something to do radiators leaking. but i am not 100% sure. you may not even have this style radiator.
     

    Attached Files:

    FYDA FREIGHTLINER CINCY, May 19, 2011
    FYDA FREIGHTLINER CINCY, May 19, 2011
    #8
  11. May 19, 2011 #9
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Looks to me that they have added a better cushion against vibration (section B) with the update.
     

    Attached Files:

    lovesthedrive, May 19, 2011
    lovesthedrive, May 19, 2011
    #9
  12. Dec 22, 2011 #10
    DRC-Keith

    DRC-Keith Bobtail Member

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    Dec 20, 2011
    Detroit, MI
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    Dealing with radiators on a daily basis, I have to say that the Cascadia with Mercedes Engine is a poor OE design through and through. Vibration is the major issue with this engine and radiator. When you check back with Fyda (also a great dealership I deal with on a weekly basis) ask them for an all metal replacement radiator. The trick here is that with an all metal replacement, you can have support channels soldered to the side of the rad (from top tank to bottom tank) for additional support which will almost eliminate the leaking radiator problem. I would have to say that these are a tricky case and the plastic tank construction poses many problems for many drivers.
     
    DRC-Keith, Dec 22, 2011
    DRC-Keith, Dec 22, 2011
    #10
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